Wait until the turn of the hour to see this beautiful old clock tower whirr into action, just as it has done since the 16th century.
Torre dell’Orologio is a magnificent 16th-century clock tower, the crowning feature of the Venetian-style Piazza della Loggia where you’ll find beautifully preserved Renaissance architecture. Spend some time admiring the square and its buildings and get acquainted with the two figures at the top of the tower, who strike a bell on the hour.
Walk to the western edge of the piazza to get a better view of the eastern arcade. Its central feature is the beautifully ornate Torre dell’Orologio, which was built between 1540 and 1550. The mechanical clock sits above the portico and features an elaborate dial designed by Paolo Gennari of Rezzato. See if you can spot the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac on the clock face.
The two-story arcade building flanking the Torre dell’Orologio features a typically Venetian design, incorporating an Ionic portico in two contrasting colors and a series of windows. The arcade was designed by the architect Lodovico Beretta and completed in 1595 by Pier Maria Bagnadore. Prior to the arcade, the site was part of the defensive walls of the 14th-century Cittadella Nuova (New Citadel).
Take a seat at one of the piazza’s bars, cafés or restaurants and wait for the turn of the hour. As the clock begins to chime, look up to the very top of the tower. You’ll see two bronze statues striking a bell. Known as Macc dè lé Ure (the Hourly Dafties), these two figures have struck the time since 1581.
The Torre dell’Orologio is on the eastern side of Piazza della Loggia in the heart of Brescia’s Centro Storico (Historic Center). The piazza is an easy 5-minute walk from the subway station in Piazza della Vittoria. This beautifully preserved historic district is best explored on foot. The Clock Tower and its surrounding piazza are free to visit any time of the day.
